MADISON (WKOW) -- All beaver traps were removed from a Madison park after outraged residents called the method "inhumane".
Madison Parks ordered to remove all beaver traps Saturday after two active traps were stolen from the park.
Several residents were upset by the traps, claiming they killed the beavers by drowning them to death.
The parks division ordered to set traps after they found more than 12 trees around the park's lagoon had irreparable damage or had recently fallen due to damage.
"Trapping is a very limited method that is only authorized in specific situations and within Wisconsin DNR guidelines and regulations," said Madison Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp, in a statement, saying beaver dams would also block the outlet to Lake Mendota, causing the park to flood. "We do not pursue this as an option without consideration of alternatives."
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does not recommend live-trapping the beavers and releasing them somewhere else.
"Often times when you're moving nuisance animals like that, you're creating a nuisance or a problem somewhere else, and so all those factors come into play when you're determining your options," said Furbearer Section Chief Bob Nack, who says trapping removal is the last resort but is legal. "Here in Wisconsin, we have regulated trapping opportunities for trappers and we follow best management practices and encourage trappers to do that as well."
Michael Shinners, who lives a block from the park, says he understand both sides of the argument and wishes something else other than killing the animal could be done to deal with them.
"I'd rather be able to see them live here, but the reality is it's not beaver habitat," said Shinners, who has only seen a beaver once in the 15 years he's lived nearby.
A public meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Warner Park Recreation Center for residents who remained concerned about the fate of the beavers.
For more on this story: http://www.wkow.com/story/35061108/2017/04/03/public-outcry-causes-beaver-traps-to-be-removed-from-madison-park